Rolling

In 2019 aged care residents at Oberon Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) joined an innovative arts in health programme- ‘Rolling With it’- that merged visual art and performance to create collaborative artworks over a five-week period.

In the workshops art materials, including paint, paint rollers, paper, pencils and notebooks, were used to build skills, experiment and problem solve as a way to foster meaningful connections.

Combining visual art and performance practices was a step by step process that facilitated the transformation of artworks into ‘props’ such as balls or rolled-up 2D artworks,that were then used as objects of play. This extension created subtle links between the visual and performing arts practices.

The transformation of art materials into ‘props’ formed the basis of movement workshops; ‘get to know you’ games, and improvisations. Conversation flowed as people rolled, tossed or caught the ball, passed the baton; or challenged a friend to duel. Playful, fun and engaging ‘Rolling With It’ disrupted the idea of what artworks are and how they can be used as tools for meaningful social connection.

The success of the workshops at Oberon MPS continues online and has grown into a Western NSW Local Health District workshop series called ‘Virtual Art Snacks’, funded by the Regional Arts Fund.

Dr John Rae of the School of Biomedical Sciences at Charles Sturt University evaluated ‘Rolling’, and his report forms the basis of new research Art OutWest are conducting into the value of virtual art workshops in rural and regional Multi-purpose Services.

Read the full evaluation by Dr John Rae of the School of Biomedical Sciences at Charles Sturt University

It is concluded here that the very thoughtful planning and implementation of Rolling by Arts OutWest, the artists and MPS staff led a productive experience of participating residents of the Oberon MPS, and it hard to imagine that this program would not have enhanced the residents’ lives. – Dr John Rae

‘Rolling With It’ was part of an ongoing relationship with Oberon MPS. The ‘Art Group’ project of weekly arts activity is supported by volunteers from Oberon Arts Council who have also won an award for this work.

Images on this page: Main – Dr John Rae, Kate Smith, Christine McMillan playing with techniques for the research. Bottom – images from ‘Rolling with it’ at Oberon Multi-Purpose Service.